Forest Park 5K & Kids Dash

Partnering again with Big River Running, Forest Park Forever is set to host another annual Forest Park 5K & Kids Dash. It’s the only race in the Park that benefits the Park!

Bring your kids for our non-timed Kids Dash!  Want to participate but can't join us? Be a "Virtual Runner" and receive the run shirt and wear it with pride!

To view your in-person 5K results, please follow this link: https://www.forestparkforever.org/ilfp-5k 

The Forest Park 5K is one of our most popular annual events. To help you before you register, we've gathered a few of the most common questions we get asked.

When is packet pickup?
Friday, August 14 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm at the Visitor Center
Saturday, August 15 from 8:00 am - 12 noon at the Visitor Center

Packet pickup is for race check-in, race bib and shirt collection.

Will I be guaranteed a race shirt?
Anyone who signs up by midnight on Wednesday, August 1 will be guaranteed a race shirt by packet pick up (August 14 & August 15). Anyone who registers after that date can select their shirt from available sizes.  For best chance of receiving first choice of size, please register before August 10th 

What is the shirt exchange policy?
Shirts may be exchanged for alternate sizes only after the run has kicked off, or after 8:30 am on Sunday, August 16. Sizes and styles will be exchanged based on availability and only until we have exhausted our supply.

Are there age group awards in the 5K?
Yes! We will award medals for the top three overall male & femaile finishers and top male & female finisher in each of the following age categories:

• Age Groups: 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

All finishers 12 & Under in the Kids Fun Run will receive a medal.

Are dogs allowed at this race?
Yes! Pets must be kept on leashes and waste must be picked up.

Are roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, or bikes allowed?
No, due to safety concerns roller skates, roller blades, skateboards, or bikes are not permitted.

Can I bring my young child in a stroller for the run?
Yes! If the child is only riding in the stroller while the adult runs, there is no additional entry fee. 

Can I walk?
Yes!

Can I run with my child in the Kids Fun Run?
Yes! Parents are welcome to watch or participate as they would like. The Kids Fun Run is roughly 1/4 of a mile. We also have an adult or two, depending on registration, lead the Kids Fun Run, and the route is blocked to any through traffic.

All registered participants will receive a race packet, which includes the 2026 limited edition Forest Park 5K T-shirt.

Packet Pick-Up Location
Forest Park Visitor Center

Pick-Up Dates & Times
Friday, August 14
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, August 15
8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

We strongly encourage participants to pick up their race packets in advance to ensure a smooth race day experience.

Race Day Pick-Up 
Sunday
6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
Location: Cricket Field (Race Site)

Virtual Participants
If you are participating virtually and cannot attend packet pick-up, please select the shipping option at checkout to have your packet mailed to you.

I Love Forest Park Run is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual participation options. When you register as a virtual participant, you complete your I Love Forest Park Run wherever and whenever works for you! All virtual participants will receive a 2026 commemorative shirt and a race bib. 

Scoring & Timing

5K & Kids Dash Virtual Results reporting options (You can enter your results between August 16 and August 23):

Self-report your 5K & Kids Fun Virtual Results by clicking on Results, choosing 5K Run/Walk Results Set or Kids Dash Results and then clicking on the Submit Virtual Results button.  Enter your information and then enter your results. 

Virtual Race Route Options:

All runners are free to complete their race anywhere in the community but if you choose to run in Forest Park, feel free to use these suggested routes or the routes located below.